South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1887-12-02

'"Yes, darling, it's me,n said Mrs.
Percy, her mother. 81 was on my way
to Brighton, so i thought would sur
prise you aud dear Harold"
Apdshe gave Sophie succession Of
kisses, which were very strongly favored
with rose-powder, and beckoned the
cab-man to bring in the trunks
-Four" said she." ..And bonnet
box, and an umbrella-strap, and two
travelling bags. believe that is all.
Ny darling Sophicl And the doctor
says country air is the very thing need
to set me up"
Mrs. Peregrine Percy was one of those
old-young ladies who remind one forci-
blyof an antique piece of furniture
vanished up to look like new. Sophie
Garland had never been in sympathy
with her fashionable mother. She had
married decidedly in opposition to that
iady's wishes, and wa, to tell the truth.
rot especially pleased at her appearance
on the scene at this particular moment.
But what am / to do" she said to
herself. 81 certainly can't turn her
out OF doors, though Pm sure 1 don't
know what Harry will say after all
those disagi eeab!e things / said about
his mother.
But Harry Garland was too much of
gentleman not to behave courteously
under any circumstance. He welcomed
Mrs. Percy with genuine hospitality,
and did not even notice Sophie's APP
| pealing glances when the old lady Incl
dentally let fall the information that,
since she liked the situation of Clover
dale Cottage so well, she should perhaps
remain there all the summer, Gust to
keep Sophie company you know"
cit is so good of Harry not to fling
back my own silly words into my face"
she thought with thrill of gratitude.
But at the end of week Mrs. PEREZ
CRIME Percy sickened
81 hope it's not going to be anything
serious" said she. Sickness does age
person so. l never had any wrinkles,
you know, dear, before that last attack
of neuralgia"
But when it TRANSFERRED that Mrs.
Percys ailment was severe and con-
tagious form of disease, there was a
general commotion at Cloverdale Cot
tage. The servants gave warning, the
neiShbor' kept away and poor Sophie
was weary, worn out with nursing and
fatigue, when one day a gentle little
woman in black presented herself.
'She will see you, ma'am,". said the
little charity girl who alone could be in
duced to cross the infected threshold,
and who loudly declared that Sat the
asylum she had everything, and wasn't
afraid of nothing!' II tod her to go
away, but it was no good"
Sophie, pale and haggard, crept down
into the darkened drawing room.
81 don't know who you are" said
She, cor what your business is, but YOU
had better go away. There is terrible
sickness here"
IL know it," answered mild voice.
land that is the very reason that l am
here. am Hary's mother, darling. I
have come to help you"
SO, like ministering angel, the
"mother-in-law" came into the house.
Just as Sophie herself succumbcd to the
fell disease.
No sooner did Mrs. Peregrine Percy
recover than she packed her trunks
and made off for Brighton ms fast as
possible.
Zone always needs change after i'll
ness, said she. "And the atmos phcre
OF sick-room always was most depress-
ing for me. dare say that the good
Mrs. Garland will do all that is necessary
for dear Sophie, and l have my own
welfare to think Of"
Sophie, just able to situ up in pillowed
! arm chair her checks followed by i'll
ness, her large eyes shining from deep,
purple circles, looked after the depart
ing carriage, and then lifted her glanc
! to the tender nurse beside her
Mother" she said, wistfully, "you
will not leave mel"
mot unless you send me away,
Sophie" said Mrs Garland, tenderly.
"And that will be never. ;" SAID Sophie
closing her eyes with sigh OF relief.
'How very good you have been to me !
Without you | should surely have
died"
And even in her slumber she could
not rest peacefully until she held Mrs.
GarlNnd's hand in hers.
That evening, when Harry came home.
she opened her heart 10 him.
Harry" she sail, "can you ever for
give meF'
Forgive you dearest?"
For what / said about our dear, dear
mother" fervently uttered Sophie. "She
j. precious beyond expression to me now,
She has saved my life by her courage
and devotion. And I feel that I cannot
part with her any more Would she
stay here with us always, do You think,
IIarryW
81 am her only son, Sophie" said he
'Ycs, thiak She wil--if you ask her"